Protect Namibia’s natural resources

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEKEnvironment minister Pohamba Shifeta says the need to protect Namibia’s natural resources cannot be overemphasised, as it has a profound effect of uplifting the economy and the wellbeing of communities.He made these remarks during the launch of the clean-up campaign at Terrace Bay, which is located in the Skeleton Coast National Park in the Kunene Region.According to Shifeta the campaign was hosted by founding president Sam Nujoma.Shifeta said the world is faced with the challenge of combatting environmental pollution, which in turn has permanent effects on the environment and lives.Skeleton CoastHe said the Skeleton Coast National Park is now the most preserved national park in Namibia, with its rich lichen fields and more than 100 different species.“It is a sanctuary for desert-dwelling wildlife and hosts the Kunene River Mouth, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Kunene River meets.”According to him this part of the Kunene Region is rich in biological diversity, especially birds and aquatic resources.Shifeta further said the Skeleton Coast National Park makes up one third of Namibia’s coastline and its sea resources is untapped and extraordinarily beautiful.“It is a heavily protected conservation area and the environment ministry regulates entrance to the national park to ensure the protection of this highly sensitive environment.”According to him the ministry has a pivotal role to play in protecting the biological diversity of Namibia, promoting environmental awareness among communities, encouraging participatory environment planning and management and actively involving Namibians in regional environment issues and programmes. PrioritiesHe said the Kunene Regional Council and its stakeholders and the youth in particular should remain steadfast in prioritising environmental management and adopting the concepts of re-using and recycling waste, which will definitely reduce damage to the fragile environment.Shifeta added that the government has put in place relevant policies and legislations to regulate and ensure sustainable environmental management while at the same time promoting human development.“To illustrate this, for example, the National Policy on Coastal Management provides for the integration of different legislations for effective planning taking into account both the environment and human developmental needs.”He encouraged Namibians to emulate this initiative by Kunene Regional Council within their respective localities.“If we do so, I am certain, we will be one of the countries with a clean, safe and productive environment, not only in Africa, but in the world.”ellanie@namibiansun.com

Protect Namibia’s natural resources

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Namibian Sun 2022-05-26

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Protect Namibia’s natural resources

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Namibian Sun 2022-05-26

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